Olly Cracknell has been playing well for the Ospreys (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

The Ospreys have handed Olly Cracknell a fresh two-year contract — reward for the tireless graft of one of Welsh rugby’s hardest-working players.

The 25-year-old has made approaching 600 tackles in all competitions over the last two seasons - a remarkable figure.

Wales still haven’t come calling, but Cracknell is valued at the Ospreys, with rugby general manager Dan Griffiths saying: “Olly ticks all the boxes for a modern blindside flanker. He is tough, durable and thrives on hard graft.

“Since his arrival at the club in 2014, he has shown a real desire to learn, compete and test himself physically against the best, and that has been a constant.

“The consistency of his training and match-day numbers display this appetite for work, and these are qualities that make him a great asset to the squad.

“Olly is driven by the desire to improve as an individual and achieve success with the team, and having characters with this mind-set is hugely important in building for a successful future.

“That is something we are all striving for at the Ospreys, and Olly will play an important part in this over the coming seasons.”

Cracknell made Wales’ squad for the 2017 Six Nations without featuring in a matchday line-up. Since then, there has been nothing on that front, despite his consistency.

But he made his 100th appearance for the Ospreys recently and clearly relishes being part of the region.

“My 50th and 100th caps for the Ospreys are two of my proudest moments in rugby, because I know that I have had to work hard to get those games in what has always been a fiercely competitive back row,” he said.

“We have had a tough few seasons, but I am confident we are on the rise.”